Orban Script: The Strategic Blueprint Behind Fidesz’s Sustained Political Dominance and Nationalist Achievements
The success of Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party over more than a decade is a political case study in how to consolidate power and enact sweeping reforms in a democratic framework. This strategic blueprint offers insight into how Fidesz capitalized on nationalist sentiments, reformed electoral and legal structures, and used effective governance measures to secure long-term political dominance in Hungary. Below is an outline of the key victories and strategies that have kept Orbán and Fidesz in power for over 12 years.
I. Border Control: Defending the Nation’s Sovereignty
One of the most significant political victories for Fidesz has been its strong stance on border control. As part of its nationalist agenda, Fidesz framed immigration as a threat to Hungarian sovereignty, security, and cultural identity. Key actions include:
- Physical Border Defense: The construction of a border fence along Hungary’s southern border to prevent illegal immigration, particularly during the 2015 European migrant crisis.
- Legislative Control: Enacting strict immigration laws and policies that limited the number of asylum seekers and refugees entering the country.
- Nationalist Messaging: Constantly reinforcing the narrative that strong border control protects Hungary’s sovereignty from foreign influence, reinforcing Fidesz’s identity as the defender of the nation.
II. 27% Bracket Tax: Fiscal Realignment for Economic Sovereignty
Fidesz introduced a flat 27% value-added tax (VAT), which is among the highest in the European Union. This move was part of a broader economic policy aimed at achieving financial self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on external funding or international organizations. The high VAT rate generated significant revenue for the government, which was then reinvested into public infrastructure and nationalist projects. By emphasizing fiscal discipline and sovereignty, the government effectively built a stable economic base, which resonated with the public as a symbol of independence and economic strength.
III. One-Window Government Bureaucracy: Simplifying State Interaction
To increase efficiency and reduce bureaucracy, Fidesz implemented the “one-window” government system. This reform streamlined public administration and services, allowing citizens to complete government-related tasks through a single point of contact. The simplified bureaucracy not only made the state appear more efficient but also strengthened Fidesz’s image as a government that delivers practical solutions to everyday problems, reinforcing trust in its leadership.
IV. Public Work Program (Közmunka Program): Mobilizing the Workforce
The Közmunka Program was introduced as a public employment scheme designed to provide work opportunities for the unemployed, particularly in rural areas. This program was key in:
- Reducing Unemployment: By creating state-funded jobs in public works and infrastructure projects, Fidesz was able to drastically reduce unemployment figures.
- Political Loyalty: Many beneficiaries of the program became loyal to Fidesz, seeing the party as responsible for providing them with work opportunities and financial stability.
- Social Control: The program also ensured a degree of social control over a significant portion of the population, particularly in areas traditionally less supportive of Fidesz.
V. The End of Welfare Dependency (Segélyek Vége): Welfare Reform
Fidesz significantly reduced welfare dependency by implementing strict eligibility criteria for social benefits and tying benefits to participation in the Közmunka Program. The message was clear: work, not welfare, should be the backbone of social policy. This reform was popular among Fidesz’s base, particularly middle-class voters, who viewed the reduction in welfare as an encouragement of personal responsibility and national strength.
VI. Jobbik’s Strengthening (Jobbik Erősödése): Co-opting the Far-Right
Throughout the years, Fidesz has successfully navigated and absorbed the nationalist rhetoric of Jobbik, the far-right party. Rather than allowing Jobbik to gain ground, Fidesz:
- Adopted Nationalist Rhetoric: By adopting many of Jobbik’s nationalist policies and rhetoric, Fidesz was able to neutralize the party as a political threat.
- Outflanked Jobbik: Fidesz positioned itself as the “acceptable” nationalist party, effectively siphoning off Jobbik voters while maintaining a more moderate image that could still appeal to traditional conservatives.
VII. State Closure (Állam Zárás): Centralizing Control
Fidesz has effectively centralized control over critical state functions. Through legal and constitutional reforms, the party has ensured that it maintains oversight of key state apparatuses, including:
- The Judiciary
- Education System
- Media and Information Dissemination
This centralization has been critical in solidifying Fidesz’s power base, ensuring that state institutions operate in alignment with the party’s nationalist agenda.
VIII. Constitutional Reforms with Representatives (Alkotmányozás Képviselőkkel): Reshaping Hungary’s Legal Framework
Upon gaining power, Fidesz quickly moved to overhaul Hungary’s constitution, ensuring that it reflected the party’s values and priorities. Fidesz pushed through constitutional reforms with a two-thirds majority, enabling them to rewrite the fundamental laws of Hungary to enshrine:
- Christian Values
- Family as the Core of Society
- National Sovereignty
These constitutional reforms were carried out with the support of parliamentary representatives loyal to Fidesz, ensuring minimal opposition.
IX. Continuous Constitutional Amendments (Alkotmány Módosítás Non-Stop): Permanent Adaptation to Fidesz’s Needs
Fidesz has been relentless in using its parliamentary majority to pass continuous constitutional amendments. This “non-stop” amendment process has allowed Fidesz to adapt the legal framework to suit the party’s evolving goals, preventing potential legal challenges from the opposition or civil society.
X. Exploiting the Two-Thirds Majority (Kétharmad Fertása): Using Legislative Power to Full Extent
With a two-thirds majority in parliament, Fidesz has been able to pass laws and constitutional amendments without the need for opposition support. This has allowed the party to:
- Consolidate Political Power: By enacting legislation that favors Fidesz’s long-term control.
- Marginalize Opposition Parties: Using legal frameworks that limit the effectiveness of opposition parties in challenging government policy.
XI. Election Reform: From Two-Round to One-Round System (Két Fordulósról Egy Fordulósra): Simplifying Elections
Fidesz reformed the electoral system from a two-round voting system to a one-round system, ensuring quicker elections and reducing the possibility of opposition parties rallying support in a second round. This change favored Fidesz, which could mobilize its base more effectively in a single-round vote, thereby consolidating power.
XII. Redistricting Elections (Átírták a Választási Körzeteket): Favoring Fidesz in Elections
Fidesz used its control over government to redraw electoral districts (gerrymandering) in ways that favored the party. By reshaping voting districts to maximize its voter base in certain areas while diluting opposition votes in others, Fidesz ensured that it could win a significant majority of seats with a lower percentage of the overall vote.
XIII. Remaining in Power for 12+ Years: The Formula for Longevity
The combination of the above reforms, electoral changes, and policy victories has allowed Fidesz to remain in power for over 12 years. The party has successfully:
- Co-opted Nationalist Sentiment: Using a strong nationalist platform that resonates with the public’s concerns about sovereignty, security, and traditional values.
- Consolidated Control Over State Institutions: Ensuring that the judiciary, media, and bureaucracy all operate in service of Fidesz’s long-term goals.
- Neutralized Opposition: Through electoral reforms, constitutional changes, and the strategic co-opting of Jobbik’s far-right base, Fidesz has systematically weakened its political opponents.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Fidesz and Orbán
The sustained political dominance of Fidesz under Viktor Orbán is a masterclass in how to combine nationalist rhetoric, strategic reforms, and centralized control to maintain long-term power in a democratic system. By focusing on national sovereignty, traditional values, and economic self-sufficiency, Fidesz has successfully aligned itself with the sentiments of the Hungarian people, ensuring its political survival and dominance for years to come.
INTEL KARTEL 
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